Free Health Screenings for UAE Residents on 14 November

To mark World Diabetes Day, a campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organisation, EHL will be offering free health checks to the UAE residents on 14 November 2011.

The UAE is undergoing a diabetes explosion and has the second highest rate of diabetes in the world with estimates suggesting that approximately 25% of its adult population suffers from the disease, compared to a global average of 6%. What’s more, up to 80% of Type-2 diabetes is preventable by eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. EHL’s free health screenings, which will measure random blood sugar, blood cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI, will be able to identify if those taking the tests are at risk of developing diabetes and enable them to take preventative action.

According to the WHO, more than 346 million people worldwide have diabetes and total deaths from diabetes are expected to rise 50% in the next 10 years. 90% of all diabetes cases are the preventable Type-2 form.

“Thirty minutes of moderate exercise every day combined with a healthy diet is all it takes to help prevent Type-2 diabetes,” says Dr. Pietie Loubser, Chief Clinical Officer at EHL. “It’s staggering that so many people in the UAE suffer from this debilitating disease so unnecessarily. The aim of our free testing program is to provide residents in the UAE with a better understanding of their own risk of diabetes, to educate them about risks and warning signs, and to help them avoid its onset.”

Residents can avail their free health checks at the following locations and times on 14 November (no appointments necessary):

1. Ibn Battuta Mall (cinemas area), 14:00 – 20:00hrs, provided by Welcare Clinic Ibn Battuta
2. The Dubai Mall (medical centre), 14:00 – 20:00hrs, provided by EHL Dubai Mall Medical Centre
3. Lamcy Plaza, 11:00 – 17:00hrs, provided by Emirates Diagnostic Clinic
4. Etihad Mall, 14:00 – 20:00hrs, provided by Welcare Clinic Mirdif
5. Spinneys Motor City, 14:00 – 20:00hrs, provided by EHL Arabian Ranches Clinic
6. Arabian Ranches Community Centre, 14:00 – 20:00hrs, provided by EHL Arabian Ranches Clinic
7. Aswaq Shopping Centre Media City, 14:00 – 20:00hrs, provided by Welcare Ambulatory Care Centre
8. Spinneys Town Centre Meadows, 11:00 – 17:00hrs, provided by EHL Meadows Clinic
9. Lulu Hypermarket Al Qusais, 11:00 – 17:00hrs, provided by Welcare Clinic Al Qusais
10. Welcare Hospital (main reception), 09:00 – 15:00hrs
11. The City Hospital (main reception), 11:00 – 17:00hrs